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Friday, July 9, 2010

Sew Mama Sew is doing a giveaway for the new Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett thread collections. Check it out here. My answers to the questions are at the end of this post.

And because I feel a wee bit uncomfortable using my blog to just win a contest, I'm going to show you my latest quilty project first. Still in the works mind you ~ I'm currently making the "Outside the Box" quilt from Modern Quilt Workshop for my son.

He doesn't often benefit from my sewing skills, so I'm glad to be making something for him for a change. Very guy-ish so as not to embarrass the poor kid and very appropriate for him, because he is definitely an outside the box kind of person.

What follows next is my shameless attempt to win some thread and oh yeah, my answers to the questions Sew Mama Sew had posted ~ read on if particularly interested in my thread preferences or have some spare time on your hands.

* How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?

I pretty much pick the colors when I need them for the project I'm working. I don't typically stock thread without a project in mind but of course I have lots of leftover thread from old projects. The exceptions to this would be basics such as white/black/brown and maybe navy and red, those I do stock because they get used so frequently.

* Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?

That depends. If I'm sewing internal seams on purses/bags, then no because that isn't usually seen. However, for garments I'm pretty careful about matching the thread to the fabrics. The same holds true for any topstitching where both sides of the stitching will be seen.

* Do you ever use contrasting thread?

Yes, definitely. Particularly if I want to accent a purse or garment - I do that a lot with knit tops and jackets. I have a cover stitch machine and use that often to introduce decorative stitching to the outside of garments and specifically use contrasting thread for that.

* Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?If the stitching will be seen from both sides, as in topstitching, or in a garment seam, then yes, I almost always use the same color bobbin thread.

* What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?Typically, I pick a thread color that I think will accent the fabric well and go with that.

* Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?I personally prefer to use polyester in garment sewing for strength and have been using it also in my quilts. However, I'm new to quilting and have certainly heard the case for cotton thread in quilting, so I'm undecided about that. I'm quite partial to a few brands.

* Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?

Umm ok, if you insist. Really kind of a jumbled mess. I need to get this better organized ~ that's still in the planning stages at the moment...* Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? Sometimes I will do this for embroidery threads, but typically I'm project oriented.* Do you “invest” in thread? If you ask my husband he'll say I invest in everything sewing related. Certainly with the price of thread these days, you are putting an investment into it. But since it's kind of essential to sewing, I figure it's worth the investment to use good thread considering the time and effort you are putting into creating a garment, quilt or other sewing project.* What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)

I use mostly polyester threads since they work up well on my machines and are strong and durable over time, in the wash etc. I use polyester threads for sewing and quilting. I'll use polyneon (a high sheen polyester thread) from Madeira for embroidery projects and I'll use maxilock or wooly nylon in my serger. I always use wooly nylon when sewing knits. I do have some elastic thread, a few rayons, and a few leftover spools of variegated thread, and that's about it.

This was kind of fun. There you have my thread wisdom in a nutshell. Go over to Sew mama Sew and perhaps grab yourself a chance at some thread.

I love your quilt idea...I can see its going to be perfect!!! I love your thread collection. Sometimes I buy several colors when they are on sale but generally I buy for the project too! Good luck winning the contest! I remember winning yours and I still cherish the bag you sent! Hugs!!!~Cathy

Hi there! I've been following your blog for a while and have been enjoying your posts, particularly the one on your 4th of July hexie napkins. I was wondering if your blog features Websites or shares links with relevant content. We have a blog called Be@Home (http://pocketchange.become.com/category/home-and-garden) where we produce daily coverage of everything from the latest kitchen wear to designer furniture. I feel our content could be a great resource to your readers. Currently, our blog averages about 1.5 to 2k unique visitors per day to the homepage (linked above) with users clicking through to an average of 500 single blog pages per day.

Please get back to me and let me know if you are interested in this opportunity to expand your audience. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Hi, I saw your beautiful bag on Sew Mama Sew- it's awesome!! Your box blocks are fantastic!! What boy wouldn't be busting for that on his bed!!I don't blame you for posting about thread with those new Kaffe/ Amy threads as a prize and I found it interesting. You really know your threads! I'm a quilter so I just use cotton.

Bicyclette

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Wonky Tree Block

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Wristlet Pattern

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Pumpkin Pattern

About Me

You have found the blog of Caroline Press ~ I wear many hats, but this blog is dedicated to sewing (mostly). I firmly believe that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. If you can dream it, you can make it! You only need to know how and that's what this blog is all about! I hope you find these pages an inspiration. I always welcome comments - you can reach me at trilliumdesign1 at g mail dot com.